as duke spends day with Meghan an hour's flight away from family - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
THOUSANDS of adoring fans today sang Prince Harry happy birthday – but the duke’s own family failed to publicly celebrate his big day.
The Duke of Sussex celebrated his 39th birthday in Dusseldorf with Meghan Markle by his side today, as the loved-up couple supported athletes in the Invictus Games.
13
And while the prince was all smiles for fans in Germany, his birthday went unmarked by his dad King Charles and his brother Prince William.
Accounts belonging to the Royal Family normally tweet birthday messages on the morning of a member of the Firm’s big day, but no messages were sent to mark Harry turning 39.
It comes in stark contrast to previous years when sweet messages were posted online from the Royal Family account for the fifth-in-line to the throne.
In 2021, Kate and Wills tweeted at 8.02am on September 15: “Happy Birthday Prince Harry!” with an emoji of a balloon.
Charles and Camilla tweeted just two minutes later, writing: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very Happy Birthday today!”
Their Twitter post was accompanied by a series of photos of Harry with Charles, including one of the duke as a youngster posing with his dad.
The Queen’s account had been the first to post a message for Harry, writing at 8am: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a happy birthday today!”
But the Royal Family has seen a massive upheaval in the past two years since the birthday messages.
In the past 12 months alone, Prince Harry has released a biography blasting his entire family, detailing physical fights with his brother William and criticising his stepmother Camilla.
And while he has returned to the UK for events – including the WellChild Awards just last week – it is believed his didn’t see his family.
The lack of public acknowledgement for Prince Harry’s birthday is just another indication of strained relations between himself and his family.
Accounts for the Royal Family did not wish Harry a happy birthday last year however the Firm was in mourning over the loss of the Queen who died just a week beforehand on September 8.
But Prince William did speak to crowds gathered at Sandringham to say he hadn’t forgotten his brother’s special day.
In 2022 Will said: “It is his birthday today – you’re absolutely right, it is. I’ve not forgotten.”
The Royals have, however, reinstated the tradition of marking birthdays online since the mourning period for the Queen.
Just last month, King Charles’ Twitter account shared sweet photos of His Royal Highness with his sister Princess Anne for her birthday on August 15.
They also posted on September 1 to celebrate the birthdays of John and Ethel, the country’s oldest man and woman.
Even today, the Royal Family were active on Twitter – sharing details of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit to Wiltshire.
They then went on to share details of Kate and Wills’ trip to a primary school yesterday.
The Twitter account also shared pictures of King Charles out and about today as he made an appearance at St Paul’s Church, in Kinross, Scotland.
Meghan was similarly snubbed last month on her 42nd birthday – with no one in the family wishing her well.
It comes despite the Prince and Princess of Wales wishing Meghan a happy birthday last year alongside King Charles and Camilla.
William and Kate tweeted first thing in the morning at 9.01 with Harry’s dad and stepmum sending their love just five minutes later.
And while it’s not known if Kate and Wills messaged Harry separately for his birthday today, it is understood the couple have barely spoken to the Sussexes this year.
Meghan and Harry are currently in Europe for the Invictus Games – just an hour’s plane ride from London.
With no visit planned to the UK while they’re over here, the pair are set to jet back to their kids in California once the event is finished.
And to celebrate Harry turning 39, he and Meghan last night knocked back beers while devouring blood sausages and Wiener Schnitzel at a secret feast in Düsseldorf.
A source told Hello! magazine the event was a “family meal” alongside the Archewell team ahead of Harry’s birthday.
Afterwards, Harry returned to their £1,600-a-night hotel to eat birthday cake.
As they headed out today, Meg donned a Zara playsuit paired with a Celine blazer and Saint Laurent sandals.
Harry wore a blue relaxed linen shirt with dark navy chinos and green trainers.
The birthday boy was also gifted something from a young girl as he took his seat courtside.
The couple’s schedule then saw them take their seats to watch former soldiers in the cycling competition before heading to the volleyball finals later tonight.